LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, NJ – A tragic motor vehicle accident that occurred in Lakewood Township on October 7 has left three individuals dead. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer identified the deceased victims as Jayla Ortiz, 23, from Lakewood, Ceasia Jefferson, 24, from Neptune Township, and a 17-year-old male from Lanoka Harbor.
The early morning incident, which happened around 2:20 a.m. at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Cedar Bridge Avenue, involved a 2009 Honda Accord driven by Jayla Ortiz.
The car, carrying passengers Mylani Theibault, 18, Alexis Holloway, 23, Ceasia Jefferson, 24, and the 17-year-old male, ran a red traffic signal and collided with a 2008 Dodge Truck. The severe impact split both vehicles into two.
Ortiz and Jefferson were declared dead at the accident scene. The 17-year-old male later passed away in the hospital due to his injuries.
Meanwhile, Mylani Theibault is in stable condition and Alexis Holloway remains in critical condition at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune. The Dodge Truck’s driver, Mathew Draheim, 56, sustained minor injuries and is also receiving treatment at JSUMC.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” lamented Prosecutor Billhimer, offering condolences to the victims, their families, and friends.
The incident is still being scrutinized by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and the Lakewood Township Police Department. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit also contributed to the investigation.